Mbabane: Imbibers will only be allowed to purchase a maximum of two cases or two trays as the sale of alcohol returns on Monday, June 15.
This was announced by Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo as he outlined alcohol sale details at Cabinet offices today, June 11. Alcohol consumers who specialize on spirits or wine will also not be allowed to buy more than two bottles.
All drinking holes will be opened from Monday to Thursday only at specified times, 11am to 5pm from this coming Monday and will be required to adhere to laid down COVID-19 regulations which include among others sanitizing and social distancing.
Also, imbibers are not allowed to share from the same bottle or drink outside watering holes, which include clubs, bars and bottle stores.
According to Khumalo, there will be no alcohol trade on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and also, alcohol is only for home consumption.
Business owners who would not comply with the regulations will have their licenses repossessed until the nightmare of Coronavirus ends.
“Buying at licensed retailers for sale is banned. Wholesale and distributors will only deliver alcohol to licensed shops and not individuals. It is the responsibility of a business owner to see to it that consumers do not drink outside their premises,” Khumalo said.
As reported by Independent News in their latest hard copy issue, the ban of alcohol affected about 21 000 emaSwati economically. It was gathered that there were about 1 000 liquor shops in the country.
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